With a nervous draw against Ukraine, Italy advances to Euro 2024.

The match’s actual nature was concealed by the final score, as both teams had multiple opportunities due to Italy’s intense attack and Ukraine’s potential for counterattacks.

Despite the fact that Italy’s Bryan Cristante appeared to have made touch with Mykhailo Mudryk’s foot during injury time, Ukraine’s late penalty appeal was denied.

As a result, Italy, who won Euro 2020 and then missed out on qualifying for the World Cups in 2018 and 2022, will not have to suffer another humiliating tournament loss.

Due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine was obliged to move the match to Germany. Despite this, they can still qualify, but they will have to make their way via the play-offs in March 2024.

Ukraine knew only a victory would do, while Italy knew they would advance by avoiding defeat as they traveled to Leverkusen.

Luciano Spalletti, the new coach of Italy, took over the position just three months ago after Roberto Mancini unexpectedly quit to take a position with the Saudi Arabia national team.

Monday, Spalletti declared that Italy had a “duty to defend” their title and vowed to keep taking chances with Ukraine.

Mudryk was active down the left for Ukraine, creating several early half-chances that were thwarted by shoddy execution.

After 30 minutes, Italy’s superiority in possession began to show when Federico Chiesa slid a beautiful pass over the goal’s face, eluding a flailing Davide Frattesi.

Early in the second half, Italy persisted in attacking, but as the match went on, the jittery Italians pulled back and gave Ukraine greater room up front.

Ever dangerous, Mudryk seemed to have been hauled down in the area following contact from Cristante, but the referee waived aside his team’s cries for a penalty kick.